Rag week fundraising honours former teacher (From Sutton Guardian)
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Rag week fundraising honours former Surbiton teacher
1:20pm Monday 30th April 2012 in News By Clare Buchanan
Southborough High School pupils dressed up for rag week
A much-loved teacher who died from a sudden heart attack was honoured by a record-breaking week of fundraising events hosted by his former pupils.
Sixth formers at Southborough High School decided to dedicate their annual rag week to their former head of media, Andy Taylor, who died aged 53, leaving his parents, sister, girlfriend and son.
Students, staff, parents and local businesses got involved in the activities, which ran from March 26 to March 30, and included a fancy dress run, cakes sales, treasure hunts, sponge the teacher and Southborough’s got talent.
The school raised its largest sum to date, £1,900, which will go to the British Heart Foundation in memory of Mr Taylor, who taught at the Surbiton school for 25 years.
Head boy Christopher Gagen said: “Rag week is an annual event at Southborough and this year we were determined to raise money for the British Heart Foundation in memory of Mr Taylor.
“Students, staff and parents had thought the world of him. That’s why we were able to raise the most we ever have during rag week, everyone was determined to get involved and give generously.”
Highlights of the week included brave male teachers who were sponsored to have their legs waxed, one teacher who agreed to have his beard shaved off and pupils and staff who were sponsored to wear the football and rugby shirts of their arch rivals.
Year 11 pupil Sam Tysoe was taught GCSE media by Mr Taylor and said he helped develop his interest in recording and editing videos.
He said: “He was a bubbly, kind teacher who always made our media lessons fun.
“He was a Chelsea fan and every time they won a major fixture, he’d hang a Chelsea flag up on his classroom wall. As a Fulham fan myself, this wasn’t always a welcome sight.”
The school will be holding a memorial service for Mr Taylor at 3.15pm on Wednesday, May 9. Ex-pupils and parents who wish to attend are welcome.
Contact the school office in advance on 020 8391 4324.
